Identification of Pseudocercospora bolleana Associated with Angular Leaf Spot on Common Fig in Korea

In-Young Choi^1,2 Young-Joon Choi³ Chong-Kyu Lee⁴ Hyeon-Dong Shin^5,*

¹Department of Agricultural Biology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
²Department of Agricultural Convergence Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
³Department of Biology, Kunsan National University, Gunsan 54150, Korea
⁴Department of Forest Resources, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Korea
⁵Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea

Abstract

A cercosporoid fungus associated with angular leaf spots on the leaves of common fig (Ficus carica) in Korea is known to be morphologically similar to Passalora, but phylogenetically similar to Pseudocercospora. To clarify the ambiguity, six fig samples with angular leaf spots were collected and examined using a microscope, and two representative isolates were sequenced for multiple genes. The morphological characteristics were consistent with previous descriptions of Passalora bolleana. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer and large subunit ribosomal DNA (rDNA) regions showed that the Korean isolates, as well as previously published Korean and Romanian isolates, formed a well-supported group in the clade of Pseudocercospora species. Consequently, the current Korean isolates should be correctly described as Pseudocercospora bolleana. Additionally, Pseudocercospora fici-caricae, a cercosporoid fungus previously described as a leaf pathogen on common fig in Taiwan and Korea, was also compared and discussed.

Figures & Tables

Fig. 1. Angular leaf spots caused by on common fig (). (A) Leaves were infected, decreasing vigour of the plant. (B and C) Close-up view of leaf lesions, showing grayish patches on the lesion due to heavy fructification. (D) Conidiophores. (E) Conidia. (F) One-weekold colony of growing on a potato dextrose agar at 25℃.